At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Development and Sales team with administration and customer queries.
- Company: Join Cottsway, the largest affordable housing provider in West Oxfordshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, agile working, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community by helping provide quality homes.
- Qualifications: Previous office administration experience and a proactive attitude are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About Us
Cottsway is a registered housing provider working in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire. We are the largest affordable housing provider in the district of West Oxfordshire. We own and manage over 6,000 homes ranging from flats and bungalows to family homes, for rent and Low-Cost Home Ownership (LCHO). We have over 13,000 customers. We have some of the strongest financial and governance ratings in the sector and we are committed to doing more to help people in housing need, with a robust development programme.
We are proud to:
- Reinvest our profits every year, not only to create more homes, but also to ensure our existing customer’s homes are kept in great shape, with an in-house team of skilled tradespeople who carry out this work.
- Put our customers at the heart of everything we do, with a dedicated team of housing, neighbourhood, financial and welfare officers to provide support where needed.
- Be active in and bring social value to our local communities.
Working for us
Cottsway is a great place to work with a friendly, supportive and enthusiastic team dedicated to providing quality homes in thriving communities. We support and develop our people because we know that it is through them that we deliver the high standards of service that our customers say we provide. Based in the market town of Witney, we:
- Offer competitive salaries and a range of benefits.
- Support agile working.
- Guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for our vacancies. We are signed up to the Disability Confident Committed scheme.
- Value people from a wide range of backgrounds and experience – whether you are an experienced housing professional or simply have an interest in working in our sector.
About the role
We are looking for a Development and Sales Assistant to help deliver our ambitious programme of new homes and assist with shared ownership sales and disposal. In this role you will focus on providing comprehensive support to the Development and Sales team, which will include dealing with internal and external queries, creating and updating files, minute taking, processing invoices and providing full administration support across the development, sales and leasehold function. You will also be involved with supporting the team with handovers and the sale and management process for new and older properties.
To be successful you will have previous experience of office administration and ideally some familiarity with development and sales processes. You will be a quick learner, take initiative and work proactively in completing administrative duties. You will have the ability to learn in-house IT systems and be able to prioritise and manage your time effectively. If you have these skills and experience along with a thorough and accurate approach, excellent communication skills and a flexible can-do attitude, we would love to hear from you.
Please note a DBS check will be required for the successful applicant as part of our pre-employment checks. For an informal chat about the position please call Claire Evans on 01993 890065.
Development Assistant - Sales & Disposals employer: Cottsway
Cottsway is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment in the heart of Witney. With a strong commitment to employee development and community engagement, we provide competitive salaries, agile working options, and a diverse workplace that values all backgrounds. Join us to be part of a dedicated team making a real difference in housing and community wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Assistant - Sales & Disposals
✨Get Involved in Local Property Events
Dive into local property expos and networking events! Real estate thrives on connections, so attending these events helps us meet potential employers and industry leaders, plus it's a chance to show off your enthusiasm for the field.
✨Connect with Local Agents on Social Media
Follow and engage with local real estate agents and firms on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. Sharing their posts and commenting with your insights can put you on their radar and might even lead to job opportunities at companies like Cottsway.
✨Don’t Underestimate the Power of Cold Outreach
Got your eye on a specific company like Cottsway? Don't hesitate to send a direct message or an email expressing your interest. Personalise your approach, maybe mentioning a recent listing or project of theirs, and it could set you apart from other candidates.
✨Utilise Property Management Platforms
Check out property management platforms and job boards tailored for the real estate sector. They often have exclusive listings, especially for full-time roles. Don't forget to visit Cottsway's careers page directly; we love seeing passionate candidates applying through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Assistant - Sales & Disposals
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Real-Estate Savvy:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight any relevant experience in the real estate sector. If you've done internships, assistant roles, or even relevant coursework, lay it out clearly. We want to see your familiarity with market trends, property management, or any sales experience you've got under your belt!
Quantify Your Achievements:In real estate, numbers speak volumes! When detailing your past roles, use concrete figures to demonstrate your achievements. For example, mention how many properties you sold, the percentage increase in client satisfaction, or any successful negotiations. These metrics can give your application that extra punch it needs!
Tailor Your Documents for the Job:Every application should feel personal. When applying for the Development Assistant - Sales & Disposals role at Cottsway, tweak your CV to focus on aspects that are important to them. If they value client relationships, emphasise your interpersonal skills. We want to see you aligning your experiences with what they're looking for!
Keep It Professional Yet Approachable:While we want you to show off your expertise, don't forget to let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A touch of friendliness can set you apart, especially in real estate where client interaction is key. Show that you're ready not just to work with the property but also with people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cottsway
✨Know Your Market Trends
In real estate, it’s all about staying ahead of the curve. Make sure we brush up on the latest market trends in the area where Cottsway operates. Being able to discuss local property values, demand, and upcoming developments will show that we’re not just interested in the job, but genuinely invested in the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions during the interview. We might get asked how we’d handle different client situations or property evaluations. Preparing our responses for common real estate scenarios not only demonstrates our problem-solving skills but also shows that we can think on our feet in a client-facing role.
✨Showcase Your Connections
In full-time real estate, networking is key! Let’s think about our connections in the industry and what we can bring to Cottsway. Whether it’s insights on prospective clients or relationships with local contractors, talking about these experiences can set us apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Technical Savvy
Familiarity with different real estate software tools is a big plus. We should be ready to discuss any platforms we've used, whether it's for property management, CRM, or data analysis. Being comfortable with technology not only makes us more efficient, but also shows that we’re adaptable to the tools used at Cottsway.
